If you have suffered personal injuries as a result of a car
accident, you may need to consult an Ontario personal injury lawyer. Whether it
is a minor collision or a major crash, knowing what to do after a car accident
can make the experience a little less frightening and help you avoid costly
mistakes. Understanding the recommended plan of action after a car accident may
also protect your right to compensation. If you have suffered a serious
personal injury after a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, some very important
steps need to be taken within the first few days.
Important Steps to Take When Injured
from a Car Accident
- Report the accident to the police. The police
should be called to the scene for any motor vehicle accident involving personal
injury or property damage. Make sure the police have all the information they
need about the accident.
- Obtain the other driver’s insurance information.
Record the names and addresses of all parties involved including any witnesses
to the accident since your future claim will depend on evidence that may
include witness testimony.
- Record specific details about the scene of the
accident. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene.
- Inform your family doctor about the injury. Your
health and safety are the first priorities after an accident. Some suppressed
injuries, such as concussions or whiplash, may take several days to become
apparent. After a car accident, it is wise to get a thorough medical
examination even if you believe your injuries are relatively minor. Seeking
medical attention will help strengthen your claim for benefits.
- Report the accident to your insurance company as
soon as possible after the car accident or even at the scene of the accident.
Sometimes the police officer can give your insurance company more accurate
information rather than information you may not be recording properly because
you are upset by the accident.
- Notify your employer or school about the
accident.
What You Should Not Do After a Car
Accident
- Do not argue with other drivers and passengers.
Save your story for the police.
- Do not voluntarily assume
liability or take responsibility, sign statements regarding fault, or
promise to pay for damage at the scene of the accident.
- Do not give a statement to the other driver or
the other driver’s insurance company until you have consulted with an Ontario
personal injury lawyer.
- Do not share the details of the car accident on
social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter.
If you or someone you love has injuries from a serious car
accident, you need to consult an Ontario personal injury lawyer. Contact
Sokoloff Lawyers for a free consultation regarding your legal options. Sokoloff
Lawyers is a boutique law firm experienced in serious personal injuries and
accident benefits arising from motor vehicle accidents. Sokoloff Lawyers can offer you assistance when you are unable to cope with the aftermath of a
car accident and need help protecting your rights.
Meeting
Your Lawyer
If you show up unprepared to a meeting with
your personal injury lawyer, it will take a longer time for the lawyer to get
up to speed on your injury and will end up costing you more money in the end.
A personal injury lawyer in Ontario might
also ask you to fill out a questionnaire beforehand so that this doesn’t
happen. Make sure to send the questionnaire to their office before your meeting
so that they can offer you their best opinion on your case.
Preparing
a List of Questions
Preparing a list of questions to bring with
you to your first meeting will help both you and your lawyer understand your
case and the process more clearly. Here are a few questions to bring:
- What are the options?
- How would your lawyer charge
for his or her services?
- How long has the personal
injury lawyer been in practice for?
- What problems does your
personal injury lawyer see with your case?
- How many cases has your lawyer
won? How many personal injury trials has your lawyer handled?
- How long will it take to bring
your case to a conclusion?
You can ask personal injuries lawyers in
Ontario these questions to help you to narrow down your search and find a
lawyer that best suits your needs and budget.